Founded in 1883, Florida Southern is the oldest private comprehensive college in the state of Florida. Florida Southern is nationally recognized for excellence in experiential education and guarantees students the opportunity to study abroad, participate in professional internships, and graduate in four years. Offering more than 70 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, the College enrolls 3,000+ students from 50 states and 50 countries.
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Director of Admissions
111 Lake Hollingworth Drive
Lakeland , FL 33801-5698
Experience College Life
Wellness Center and Pool
Mr. George?s Green ? a 2-acre central campus lawn for recreation
The Buck Stop: an outdoor dining are in the center of campus
Jenkins Field House ? home of our intercollegiate athletic teams
Our sunny campus offers something for everyone, including more than 80 clubs and organizations that cater to every interest. On beautiful Lake Hollingsworth, students enjoy free kayaking, sailing, and canoeing. Our popular lakefront Wellness Center offers classes in everything from yoga to karate to water polo in our competition-sized pool. If the arts are your passion, visit the Melvin Art Gallery, which exhibits the works of students and internationally recognized artists. Take in an opera, play, or concert through the renowned Festival of Fine Arts series, or catch a movie under the stars on Mr. George?s Green. Our championship NCAA Division II sports programs mean there?s always something to cheer about and intramural sports such as flag football, ultimate Frisbee, tennis, and soccer give you a chance to get in the game. And if you?ve worked up an appetite, grab fresh, made-to-order food from the Buck Stop Outdoor Pizza Oven & Grill in the Badcock Garden or enjoy a cup of Starbucks coffee and a bagel on the patio overlooking the Water Dome at TuTu's Cyber Cafe.
Lakeside Village upscale outdoor shopping and dining
Downtown Lakeland shops and restaurants
The 3-mile paved walking/biking path around Lake Hollingsworth
Florida's stunning Gulf Coast beaches
Campus Tours
8 AM - 5 PM (8 AM - Noon on select Saturdays)
863-680-4131
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 2 hours
On Campus Interview
Faculty and Coach Visits
Class Visits
Overnight Dorm Stays
Transportation
Admissions
Admissions
Overall
From The School
Florida Southern currently has a traditional undergraduate class of about 2,755 students from nearly all states and 47 countries around the world. The average GPA is 3.8 and the average SAT/ACT is 1200/26. For more application information, please visit .
Application Information
Applying to Florida Southern is the first step in making your college experience one that defines your future success. We strongly encourage you to apply before the priority deadlines to maximize your scholarship and visit opportunities.
Early Action Deadline November 1; Notification Date November 15
Early Decision Deadline November 1; Notification Date November 15
Regular Admission Priority 1 Date December 1: Notification Date January 15
Regular Admission Priority 2 Date March 1; Notification Date April 1
Required Application Materials
Application
Essay or Personal Statement
Official High School Transcripts
Official ACT or SAT Scores
Academic Letter of Recommendation
Student Profile
Florida Southern receives over 9,000 undergraduate applications annually and admits approximately 51% of applicants. Incoming freshman average a 3.8 GPA, and the middle 50% range is an 1120-1260 on the SAT and a 24-29 on the ACT. While FSC admits both students above and below our averages, admission is competitive and the College seeks to enroll students who will be involved both inside and outside the classroom.
Overview
GPA Breakdown
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Learn MoreSAT & ACT Test Scores
Testing Policies
Deadlines
Early Decision — November 1
Early Action — November 1
Regular — May 1
Other Admission Factors
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Academic GPA
Selectivity Rating
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Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Overall
From The School
Academic Programs
Ranked among the nation's top colleges, Florida Southern is nationally recognized for excellence in experiential education and guarantees students the opportunity to participate in professional internships, study abroad, and graduate in four years.
Hands-on learning experiences are built into each degree program and give students a deeper understanding of the curriculum through real-world application of knowledge. Science students conduct research in the field alongside professors and present papers at national conferences; theatre and music students take the stage alongside world-renowned guest performers; political science majors spend a semester interning at a senator's office in Washington, D.C.; and business students analyze problems and present real solutions to executives at major area corporations.
Beyond these opportunities, which are an integral part of the engaged learning experience, each student is guaranteed an internship, a crucial step in gathering resume-building experience prior to graduation.
We also guarantee each student a study-abroad experience. Once a student has completed four full semesters in good standing, they qualify for Junior Journey, often at no additional cost beyond the usual FSC tuition! Junior Journey trips are hosted by faculty members and designed to take education far beyond the classroom: political science and history students travel to Germany to study the history of WWII and the Holocaust; marine biology students head to the Bahamas to study shark conservation and biology; and theatre students travel to New York City for behind-the-scenes tours of Broadway shows. Each semester offers a host of options to suit a multitude of interests and majors, and each trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
To ensure student success in their academic journeys, the Student Solutions Center hosts Academic Fuel, a combination of group peer-tutoring programs including the FSC Writing Center, Scholars Strengthening Scholars, and Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS). Academic Fuel is designed to help each student stay on top of their academic progress. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly; students support each other and professional staff ensure that each student is matched with the best resources for their needs. Students are encouraged to use Academic Fuel programs early and often to stay ahead academically and realize the benefit of connecting with peers.
The Honors Program at Florida Southern offers talented and motivated students the opportunity to work one-on-one with faculty mentors on a senior project of their own design. Honors students also enjoy collaborative, interdisciplinary seminars with exceptional faculty, a series of "supper seminars" that host expert speakers, and specially designated facilities—including classrooms, the Honors Lounge, and special housing—which foster an enriching living-learning environment. All honors students receive priority registration and are able to take course overloads without paying additional fees. For two consecutive years FSC has also been named a Fulbright top producing institution, with students also receiving prestigious academic honors such as the Goldwater Scholarship, which is awarded only to a small group of students across the United States each year.
Florida Southern College courses are taught mostly by full-time faculty members, many of whom hold the highest credentials in their field. Our faculty members have chosen to teach at Florida Southern because they value the opportunity to work one-on-one with students. Here, your professor won't just know your name. They will know you and will take an active interest in helping you achieve your goals.
Majors and Degrees Offered
Florida Southern offers more than 70 undergraduate degree programs, including highly successful pre-medical, pre-dental, pre-optometry, pre-physician, pre-veterinary, pre-law, pre-physical therapy, pre-theological, pre-engineering, and pre-pharmacy studies programs.
Bachelor's degree programs are available in accounting, art education, art history, biochemistry and molecular biology, biology, biotechnology, business administration, business and free enterprise, chemistry, citrus, communication, computer science, criminology, dance, economics and finance, elementary education, English environmental studies, exercise science, graphic design, healthcare administration, history, humanities, marine biology, mathematics, music, music education, music management, music performance, musical theatre, nursing, philosophy, political communication, political economy, political science, psychology, religion, self-designed major, social sciences, Spanish, sport business management, sports communication and marketing, studio art, technical theatre/design, theatre arts, theatre performance, and youth ministry. Many areas are available as concentrations and interdisciplinary minors are available in advertising design, integrated marketing communications, Latin American studies, pre-law, and women and gender studies.
Faculty and Class Information
Graduation Rates
Majors
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AGRICULTURE, AGRICULTURE OPERATIONS, AND RELATED SCIENCES.
Agricultural Business and Management, General.
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BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
Biotechnology.
Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.
Exercise Physiology.
Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography.
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BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Accounting.
Business Administration and Management, General.
Finance, General.
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.
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COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia.
Mass Communication/Media Studies.
Organizational Communication, General.
Political Communication.
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication.
Sports Communication.
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COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer Science.
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EDUCATION.
Art Teacher Education.
Biology Teacher Education.
Elementary Education and Teaching.
English/Language Arts Teacher Education.
Mathematics Teacher Education.
Music Teacher Education.
Social Science Teacher Education.
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ENGINEERING.
Computer Engineering, General.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
Creative Writing.
General Literature.
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FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
Spanish Language and Literature.
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HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist.
Health/Health Care Administration/Management.
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.
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HISTORY.
History, General.
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LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES.
Humanities/Humanistic Studies.
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MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Mathematics and Statistics.
Mathematics, General.
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MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.
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NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Environmental Studies.
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PARKS, RECREATION, LEISURE, AND FITNESS STUDIES.
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.
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PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Philosophy.
Religion/Religious Studies.
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PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Chemistry, General.
Physics, General.
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PSYCHOLOGY.
Psychology, General.
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SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Criminology.
Economics, General.
Political Science and Government, General.
Social Sciences, General.
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VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Acting.
Art History, Criticism and Conservation.
Dance, General.
Digital Arts.
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
Film/Cinema/Video Studies.
Fine/Studio Arts, General.
Game and Interactive Media Design.
Music Management.
Music Performance, General.
Music, General.
Musical Theatre.
Technical Theatre/Theatre Design and Technology.
Students Say
Degrees
Doctoral/Professional
Doctoral/Research
Master's
Post-Bachelor's certificate
Post-Master's certificate
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Coop
Experiential
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
Academic Rating
Careers
Graduation Rates
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
Coop
Experiential
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
Full-time (12-18 credits) tuition per semester is $18,174. The standard 20-meal plan, required for all first-year students, is $2,300 per semester. The average cost for housing in a double-occupancy room is $3,535 per semester. Total tuition, fees, and room and board per year for a first-year student averages $47,998. Expenses per academic year Tuition = $36,348.
Financial Aid
Each year, Florida Southern College offers more than $51 million in institutional aid on the basis of academic merit, talent in athletics or fine arts, demonstrated leadership or service, need, and other factors. Combined with federal, state, and other private funding sources, FSC students receive $66 million in overall assistance, and more than 99 percent of FSC students receive some form of aid. It all begins with our net price calculator, available on our website. Answer a few simple questions, and we'll give you an immediate assessment of some of the financial aid options available to you. Additionally, your admissions counselor will work with you to ensure that you are considered for every possible scholarship, grant, and source of aid available.
Dates
Required Forms
School
Financial Aid Statistics
Expenses per Academic Year
Available Aid
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Nursing Scholarships
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Financial Aid Rating
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
Florida Southern is home to over 100 student clubs and organizations, 14 Greek Life chapters (7 sororities and 7 fraternities) and 22 NCAA Division II men's and women's varsity sports teams.
Student Body Profile
Demographics
Students Say
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
Florida Southern's 113-acre, lakeside campus is ideally located directly between Tampa and Orlando in Lakeland, Florida—named one of the best places to live and fastest growing metropolitan areas. Designated a National Historic Landmark, FSC is also home to the world's largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world.
Campus Facilities & Equipment
Consistently named among The Princeton Review's "most beautiful" colleges, our campus facilities provide students with a living and learning experience unlike any other. Experience the Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise within the walls of the innovative Becker Business Building—a 40,000-square-foot facility with large screens powered by Bloomberg financial software. Biochemistry, microbiology and citrus students work with state-of-the-art equipment inside the Berry Science Building. The three-story Christoverson Humanities building is home to classrooms, computer labs and a theatre. FSC is also home to an esports arena, Barnett Athletic Complex, Wynee Warden Dance Studio, state-of-the-art Nursing facilities, the Sharon and Jim France Admissions Center, and the recently completed Jean and Sal Campisi, Sr. Academic Center for Physical Therapy. In 2020, FSC will open the Carole and Marcus Weinstein Computer Sciences Center for students to experiment with artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, and cybersecurity technologies.
Off-Campus Opportunities
Vibrant downtown Lakeland is a short walk from campus and is well-known for its trendy restaurants and unique coffee shops. Community events like First Fridays, the Downtown Farmer's Curb Market, the Lakeland Food Truck Rally, and Pics on the Promenade provide opportunities to gather with friends. Florida Southern is 45-minutes from Walt Disney World and Busch Gardens, putting even more entertainment in easy reach.
Campus Life
Housing Options
Disabled Student
Dorms Coed
Dorms Male
Frat Sorority
Theme Housing
Students Say
Students also enjoy their surrounding town of Lakeland, which is "a very up-and-coming town with fun food options and entertainment. When looking for a fun day off campus, "a lot of people like to hit the beach or Disney/Universal on the weekends or other days off because it's so close by."
Special Needs Admissions
Documentation Required for LD
The College will accept high school IEPs, 504 Plans, or assessment from an appropriate third party.Documentation Required for ADHD
The College will accept high school IEPs, 504 Plans, or assessment from an appropriate third party.Special Need Services Offered
Student Activities
Sports
Basketball
Cross Country
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Water Skiing
Cross Country
Golf
Lacrosse
Sand Volleyball
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Water Skiing
Student Services
Army ROTC Offered on-campus
Air Force ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: University of South Florida
Sustainability
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: